We've reached a point in
familiarity with online communities where their recognizability and
existence are now thankfully becoming more of a societal norm. From
the early days of newsgroup forums, to dial-up chat rooms, to
today's social networks, there are gatherings of like-minded people
that form around various interests from the everyday to the
obscure. Yet within these digital communities, there is a large
group of individuals, global in their size and reach, who still has
to contend with misperceptions: the exponentially growing world of
livestream gaming enthusiasts.

Depending on your degree of exposure, you may have only heard of
Twitch as it
was referenced when Amazon purchased the video streaming platform
in 2014. What you may not know about this portal, dedicated in most
part to the gaming world, is that with tens of millions of
registered users, each averaging hundreds of logged hours of
viewing, is that within their digital borders, a close-knit and
supportive community has formed. Friends made, careers forged,
independent businesses emerged, relationships and families formed,
all stemming at its simplest form from an interest in watching
someone else play a game. If this seems in any way unusual to you,
or difficult to believe, that is an indication of the barrier this
segment of modern society still has to face. And as such, it's why
we here on IDO want to deepen our understanding, step over such
obstacles, and encourage our listeners to do the same.

Joined by Twitch veterans and stars Maral and
Elajjaz, we delve into popularity of livestream
gaming, and the strong (and philanthropic) community that has
developed within it.

About the Podcast

A cultural discussion podcast promoting appreciation, support and inclusion of all fandoms, interests and hobbies, in the interest of true community.
Join your hosts Keir and Alyssa each month, along with our ever-changing panel of special guests!